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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said credible and relevant geoscience data will attract more investors to the country’s mining sector.
Alake stated this while declaring open the second annual international conference of Nigerian Association of Exploration Geologists (NAEG), for geoscientists and engineers, holding in Abuja.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Special Projects, Yemisi Ajayi, the minister, who insisted geodata is the bedrock of mining sector, said the ministry is committed to getting actual updated data in the industry.
“We have numbers of investors trying to come in to the industry but all they ask for is data. We cannot achieve anything without data, because it is the bedrock of the mining industry,” the minister said.
The minister further urged the participants to collaborate to bring out tangible results, adding that the industry’s growth depend on information and suggestions from technical experts.
“We are committed to making sure the mining industry flourish, which cannot be done without availability of credible geoscience data,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Mary Ogbe, said the exploration of geophysical methods to discover and harness mineral resources is critical for the sustainable development of the nation.
The permanent secretary, who was represented by Hauwa Panl, thanked the association for organising such a conference for the growth and advancement of the nation.
Earlier, NAEG President, Akin George, attributed many collapse buildings in the country to neglect to geoscientists recommendations.
“It was clear from exercise carried out that the calamities recorded from collapsed buildings in Nigeria, could have been minimised and averted completely, if geoscientists had been engaged to carry out geotechnical investigation before the commencement of the buildings construction,” George said.
George also said geoscientists should ensure their recommendations are properly followed and adhered to when involved during constructions.
He, therefore, suggested that a well equipped mining enforcement department be established in the ministry of solid minerals development for enforcement of mining rules and regulations.
“The well equipped enforcement department should be backed by the Nigerian police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, group of qualified lawyers employed in the ministry for the purpose of operating in every government enforcement agencies of the Federal Government,” he said.
Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral, Simon Nkom, thanked the minister for all his contributions towards the growth of the agency
In his presentation, Director General of Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Olusegun Ige, said the conference is a platform for geoscientists and engineers to come together, learn from each other and inspire the next generation of professionals.
“We have the responsibility to harness the power of exploration to drive innovation to inform decision-making and the shape a better future for our country,” he said.
